Redwood vs Cedar vs Macrocarpa: Choosing the Right Timber for Your Project

Building Your Dream Outdoor Space

Imagine stepping out your back door into a beautiful yard. You see a stunning new wooden deck. You see a cozy spot with a roof to block the sun. You see neat garden beds full of green plants. Building your dream outdoor space in New Zealand is a very exciting journey.

But before you start building, you have a big choice to make. What type of wood will you use? It is very easy to feel stuck when you look at all the different options. You want a wood that looks amazing. You want wood that lasts a very long time. You also want wood that fits your project budget.

Today, we are going to make that big choice very easy for you. We will look closely at three top choices: redwood vs cedar vs macrocarpa. By the end of this simple guide, you will know exactly which wood is the perfect fit for your home.

Key Takeaways

• Redwood: Very strong, rich in colour, and highly resistant to rot. It is a premium choice for long-lasting decks.

• Cedar: Lightweight, stays very straight, and smells amazing. It is perfect for walls and fences.

• Macrocarpa: A tough, golden-coloured local wood. It is great for rustic outdoor furniture and raised garden beds.

• Cost: Macrocarpa is often the most budget-friendly, while cedar and redwood are premium investments.

• Lifespan: All three woods fight off bugs and decay naturally, making them perfect for New Zealand weather.

Why Choosing the Right Wood Matters

When you build outside, the weather is your biggest challenge. The hot sun, heavy rain, and strong wind can quickly ruin the wrong type of wood. If you use weak wood, your beautiful deck could start to rot in just a few years. That is why picking the right timber is so important.

As a trusted local team, we have seen how different woods handle the tough New Zealand climate. We work with timber every single day at Plankville. We help families and builders create amazing outdoor spaces that last for decades. We know what works and what does not work.

This guide is a simple comparison of the outdoor wood types NZ builders trust the most. We will compare them so you can see the real differences for yourself. Whether you are building a safe fence for your dog or a big deck for summer parties, knowing how these woods act is very helpful. We will look at how strong they are, what they cost, and how beautiful they look.

The Classic Beauty of Redwood

Let us start by looking at Redwood. Redwood is famous all over the world for its gorgeous, rich colour. It brings a very warm and classic feel to any building project.

When we talk about durability, redwood is a superstar. People love it because it naturally fights off bugs and rot. The wood has special oils inside it that act like a shield. This means a redwood deck can sit out in the heavy rain for years and still stay strong. It is a very safe and durable choice for outdoor living.

When it comes to cost, redwood is seen as a premium product. It might cost a bit more money when you first buy it. But, its long life makes it a very smart choice for your wallet in the end. You will not have to spend money to replace it quickly.

Aesthetically, redwood is hard to beat. It has a deep red and brown colour that looks very expensive. The grain of the wood is usually very straight and clean. If you want a yard that looks top-class, redwood is a brilliant choice. You can see how it compares to other premium woods in this cedar vs redwood guide.

The Fragrant Favourite: Cedar

Next up is Cedar. If you have ever walked past a fresh stack of cedar, you know its amazing, sweet smell. It is a wood that truly appeals to your senses.

For durability, cedar is quite special. It is incredibly light to pick up, but it is still very strong. Like redwood, cedar has natural oils inside it that protect it from decay and hungry insects. It is one of the most popular choices for homes because it stays very straight. It rarely twists, warps, or cracks under the hot summer sun. This makes it very easy for builders to use.

In terms of an NZ timber comparison, cedar usually costs a similar amount to redwood. It sits in the higher price range. However, its beauty and the fact that it is so easy to cut and nail make it worth every penny for many people.

Visually, cedar starts with a beautiful light reddish-brown tone. If you leave it alone without paint, the sun will slowly change it into a cool, silver-grey colour. Many people love this natural, weathered look. If you want to keep the warm brown colour, you just need to put a clear oil on it every year.

The Local Hero: Macrocarpa

Finally, we have Macrocarpa. This is a true New Zealand favourite. Macrocarpa is grown right here, making it a wonderful local choice for your home.

When we look at durability, macrocarpa is incredibly tough. It feels very heavy and solid in your hands. It is highly resistant to rot, especially when you keep it slightly above the wet ground. It is perfect for making chunky, rustic furniture or strong garden walls. Farmers have used it for years because it just lasts and lasts.

Because it is grown locally, macrocarpa is often more friendly to your wallet. It usually costs less than imported cedar or redwood. It gives you incredible strength and a lovely, natural look without the very high price tag. It is the perfect choice if you want great value for your money.

Aesthetically, macrocarpa has a beautiful golden colour. It looks very natural and earthy. The grain can be a bit more wild and wavy than cedar, which gives it a great rustic charm. Over time, it also ages beautifully into a soft grey finish. If you want to build thick, strong structures, you should look at our great timber options.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Choosing the best wood really comes down to what matters most to you and your family.

Do you want the rich, lasting dark colour of redwood? Do you prefer the lightweight, straight-as-an-arrow nature of cedar? Or do you love the golden, rustic charm and great local value of macrocarpa?

If you live very close to the sea, the salty wind can be hard on wood. We always suggest thinking about the harsh coastal weather before you buy. If you do live near the beach, you might want to read our helpful guide on the best timber for outdoor structures in NZ coastal areas.

You can explore our wide range of wood products to see these different textures up close. If you want to create something truly unique, like a custom dining table or a wild-edge garden bench, our special flitches, slabs & more are perfect for those special custom jobs.

Start Building Today

Building your perfect outdoor space should be a fun and happy time, not a headache. Now that you know the clear differences between redwood, cedar, and macrocarpa, you are ready to make a great choice. You deserve building materials that look fantastic and stand strong against the test of time.

Are you ready to get started on your fun outdoor project? We would love to help you. Come and talk to our friendly team. You can explore all our premium woods and find the exact pieces you need for your house. Let us help you turn your dream backyard into a reality today. Reach out to the team at Plankville, and let’s build something beautiful together!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Is redwood or cedar better for outdoor use?

  When comparing redwood and cedar for outdoor use, both are truly excellent choices for your home. Redwood offers superior strength and a rich colour, making it perfect for decks. Cedar is lighter, strongly resists warping, and is much easier to handle. Both woods naturally fight off rot and harmful insects, so your final choice mostly depends on your budget and the specific look you want.

• How long does macrocarpa last outside?

  Macrocarpa is a very tough wood that can last for many decades when used properly outside. If you keep it slightly above the damp ground, it easily resists rot and bad weather. It is a fantastic choice for long-lasting garden beds, heavy fences, and chunky outdoor furniture. Adding a protective oil finish can help it last even longer in the New Zealand sun.

• Is cedar more expensive than redwood?

  Generally, cedar and redwood are very similar in price, and both are considered premium building materials. Sometimes cedar can be slightly cheaper depending on where you live and the current market supply. Because they both offer amazing natural protection against rot and bugs, they are both great long-term investments for your home.

• Does macrocarpa need to be treated?

  One of the best things about macrocarpa is that it does not need harsh chemical treatments to survive outside. It has its own natural oils that protect it from rotting away. However, if you want to keep its bright golden colour looking fresh, it is a smart idea to paint it with a natural wood oil or stain every year. Otherwise, it will slowly turn a nice silver-grey.

• Which timber is the strongest for building decks?

  For building a strong deck, redwood is often considered the best choice among these three woods. It is slightly harder and stronger than cedar, which helps it handle heavy foot traffic and heavy patio furniture. Cedar is also great for decks but is slightly softer, so it might show dents a little easier. Macrocarpa is also very strong but is often used more for heavy landscaping.

• How do I stop my cedar from turning grey?

  When cedar is left out in the bright sun, it will naturally fade into a soft, silver-grey colour over time. If you want to stop this and keep its warm, reddish-brown look, you need to apply a protective stain or clear wood oil that blocks UV rays. You should wash the wood and put a new coat of this oil on it every one or two years to keep it looking brand new.

• Can I use macrocarpa for raised garden beds?

  Yes, macrocarpa is absolutely perfect for building raised garden beds! Because it is naturally strong against rot and does not need any toxic chemical treatments, it is completely safe to use around the vegetables and plants you want to eat. It looks beautifully rustic in the garden and will hold the heavy, wet soil safely for many years without breaking down.

• What is the best wood for a pergola in New Zealand?

  Cedar is often the top choice for building a beautiful pergola in New Zealand. Because cedar is lightweight and very stable, it will stay straight and will not twist over your head as it dries in the hot sun. It is easy for builders to lift the beams into place. Redwood is also an amazing, long-lasting choice for pergolas if you prefer a darker, richer colour.

• Is redwood resistant to bugs and rot?

  Yes, redwood is highly famous for its amazing natural ability to fight off bugs and rot. The wood contains special natural chemicals that insects hate and that stop decay from starting. This makes it a very safe and reliable choice for any outdoor project where the wood will be exposed to wet rain, soil, and outdoor pests. It protects itself naturally.

• What makes macrocarpa a good choice for furniture?

  Macrocarpa is a brilliant choice for outdoor furniture because it is tough, heavy, and very solid. It easily withstands heavy winds and rough outdoor use. It also features a stunning golden colour and a very interesting, wavy grain that makes every single table or bench look unique. Best of all, it is locally grown in New Zealand, making it a great value choice.